Deal: 'Good Solution' If Utility Absorbed Costs

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Gov. Nathan Deal says it would be a "good solution" if the Southern Co. utility absorbed more of the extra costs incurred while building a nuclear power plant in eastern Georgia.

The Republican governor said the decision rests with Georgia's Public Service Commission.

Still, Deal told WSAV-TV this week that there are "points to be made" by people who say Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power should take a loss on more of the extra costs. The utility has announced it cannot meet its original construction budget. It wants utility regulators to raise that construction budget by $737 million.

Deal said the nuclear reactors under construction at Plant Vogtle (VOH'-gohl) are first-of-their-kind technology and necessary to supply electricity to Georgia.